It was just before noon that we reclaimed the calm home that we live in. Everything had been packed away, everyone had said 'Goodbye' in the driveway. We had a bit of shopping to do so we waved them off and then headed up to the grocers. Henry carried the groceries and as we left onto Bloor Street, I said to Joe, "Do you want to go a block over and go home through the University?" Joe was very up for it.
So for the next hour or so we meandered up and down small streets and passageways. For most of our life together we walked long distances together. We always talked while we walked. Oddly, I'd have to say that our 'walking talks' were very different than our 'sitting talks'. I think they are a bit more intimate, a bit more honest, a lot more revealing. We laughed as we discovered the secrets of our neighbourhood.
We had to be very careful at times with the state of the pavement and some curb cuts that were dangerous to WALK over. But we refused to let these little annoyances even enter into the conversation. It was like we were both young again, both able to enjoy a simple walk on a beautiful day.
On of Henry's best attributes, besides being able to carry my weight up and down hills, is that he is silent. We hear not even a whirring from him as I move around. For awhile it was simply like we were walking side by side, like we were simply and unremarkably out for a stroll.
We got home and I parked Henry in his spot and we plugged him in for a charge. Later, Joe went to check to see if the charge was finished. It wasn't. But he stood and looked at the chair.
He said: I thought we got this chair for you.
11 comments:
very nice....
Thanks for taking us with you on your walk. And you thought you were alone! :) If only you could have seen us all stalking you. :)
That Joe of yours, he's a gem!
I know how Joe feels! My husband doesn't need a chair all the time but when we want to go somewhere like an amusement park or a fair, or even to walk around the mall he does need one because he tires very quickly. So last year we splurged at the NYS Fair and rented him the motorized chair for $75 rather than use the push chair and I was amazed - it allowed him to do what he wanted without having to instruct me where to go. It allowed me to walk beside him and talk rather than behind him where I can't hear what he is saying often. It allowed me to enjoy the fair rather than struggle to push him up ramps and through crowds. The chair definitely was as helpful for me as it was for him and allowed us both to enjoy our day much more. We will be splurging again anytime we go anywhere that rents them.
Thank you for taking us along your walk (even after the fact!)
Also (and most importantly) for sharing your lives.
It makes mine richer.
Walks with thjose we love are one of the best things life has to offer.
Ordinary moments are such a treasure. Since my partner's stroke, every now and then, there is a quiet moment of ordinary. It reminds me that in that moment this is who we really are.
Henry let you walk WITH Joe, what a treasure..
(Both Joe and Henry!)
Orla
thank you for sharing your beautiful moments.
:o)
Bless Joe and bless the love you two have.
Lisa
awww.
i've been wondering, actually. how did you know henry was a male chair?
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